American teens are consistently using hard drugs or alcohol, and many are starting to form a habit younger than expected. In fact, trends such as the underage use of Juul or other products that seem to be made for teens have made it so that there is an increase in nicotine use amongst teens.
While it may be easy to understand that teens are using drugs at an increasingly high rate, it may be hard to accept that even your child could be doing it. If that is a fear you have, read on to find out about how to tell if your child is using drugs.
1. Irregular Sleep Pattern
Drugs can often have a direct impact on the quality and amount of sleep. Some drugs, such as LSD, keep kids up and do not allow them to sleep, while other drugs force teens to need more than their regular amount of sleep.
Sleep is important for developing teens and a good night’s sleep is very evident as opposed to a bad night. Make sure to keep tabs on how your child is sleeping and whether it should be cause for concern.
2. Paraphernalia
Drug users like to have drug paraphernalia. If you find a bong, rolling papers, or even a lot of lighters in your child’s room, it may be the easiest way of how to tell your child is using drugs. If you find the paraphernalia in your child’s room, odds are the drugs are not far away.
3. Grades Dropping
If your child’s grades are dropping, there are many reasons that could explain it. But, drugs may be a likely culprit. Drug usage in teens almost always leads to grades dropping, as teens can not focus on their schoolwork or studying. Instead, a lot of their attention goes to the drug.
4. Lack of Interest
If your child is suddenly seemingly less interested in activities that they used to enjoy such as extra-curricular activities or time with friends, it may be a sign of drug use.
When drug use starts, teens tend to focus only on the drug and will be separated from everything else. On top of that, they may abandon their old friends for a crowd that uses drugs as well.
5. Chills or Other Physical Signs
There are many physical signs of drug use. It may seem as if your child is getting sick, but drug use is long-lasting and evident, especially harder drugs like heroin. Flushed skin, lots of scabs, and chills are all physical signs of addiction.
If you fear your child is under the influence of harder drugs, be sure to look into heroin addiction treatment for them.
How to Tell If Your Child Is Using Drugs and What’s Next
Now that you know how to tell if your child is using drugs, be sure to be on the lookout for these warning signs. If you find good proof that they are using, be sure to take them to therapy and wean them off the drug. Also, be sure to always be supportive of them.
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